Two local women are urging Squamish to come out of their homes at 7 pm everyday to clap and cheer for front-line workers.
Krystle tenBrink and Sophie Demers are asking Squamishers to cheer, clap or use their pots and pans to make noise for all the workers who are fighting against the COVID-19 epidemic.
This is also a way to express gratitude to all front-line workers as well as local businesses and the community, tenBrink says.
“While we are all in our homes and establishing new norms for what will likely be a few weeks to months, it is nice to come together and remember that we have neighbors and community members all around us,” she says.
Sophie Demers says it is a small favour to ask for all those working tirelessly to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“At 7 pm every night, step outside, or go to a window, and cheer, clap, bang pots and pans or ring bells for even just one minute. Share your gratitude towards our front-line workers. We appreciate you all, and your selfless job ensuring the well-being of others,” Demers says.
tenBrink says she was inspired by a video of West End residents of Vancouver getting loud for the front-line workers. When she shared the video on social media, her friend, Sophie Demers, messaged her and said they should replicate that in the Sea to Sky corridor.
The duo quickly made a Facebook page and hope the event would catch up in Squamish. “Our hope is that this movement will keep growing as it has in many other communities and countries across the world,” tenBrink says.
Demers’s elderly grandparents and an aunt are currently living under a lockdown in Spain, and she has been avidly following stories and videos of what is happening in Europe.
Demers, who grew up in Squamish, said despite all the changes the community spirit remains strong.
“By cheering on these front-line workers every night, I truly believe that it will only strengthen our community further,” she says.
Such events are taking place in other countries such as Italy, Spain and India, as well as in many communities in the Lower Mainland.
Carol says
Front line workers that work in pharmacies and grocery stores are also appreciated. The staff st WestJet that got us home safely and with extraordinary patience also deserve to be applauded. Thanks Sophie and Krystle.